Papua New Guinea Requests Aid After Landslide Buries 2,000
A landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga province has buried over 2,000 people, according to government reports, significantly higher than the United Nations estimate of 670. The landslide, which occurred in Yambali village, has caused extensive destruction and buried more than two dozen people. Thus far, only six bodies have been recovered. The National Disaster Centre has described the event as causing "major destruction" and has requested international assistance.
Australia is preparing to send aircraft and other equipment to assist with the rescue efforts. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles has been in discussions with Papua New Guinean officials regarding the aid. Concerns have been raised about the stability of the rubble, especially given the ongoing poor weather and overnight rains that could trigger further landslides. An excavator donated by a local builder is already being used by villagers to search for bodies amidst the debris. The disaster has also disrupted access to key infrastructure, including the main highway to the Porgera gold mine. The situation is compounded by an unrelated outbreak of tribal fighting, which has delayed the delivery of additional heavy machinery needed for the rescue operations.
